[Effects of Osthole on Apoptosis of HL-60 Cells Induced by TRAIL and Its Related Mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Osthole on apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its possible mechanism. METHODS: The proliferative inhibition of HL-60 cells treated with different concentrations of Osthole, TRAIL alone and Osthole combined with TRAIL was measured by MTT assay. The HL-60 cells were treated with Osthole, TRAIL alone and Osthole combined with TRAIL at the concentration

Fangchinoline inhibits the proliferation of SPC-A-1 lung cancer cells by blocking cell cycle progression.

Fangchinoline (Fan) is a bioactive compound isolated from the Chinese herb Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (Fen Fang Ji). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Fan on the proliferation of SPC-A-1 lung cancer cells, and to define the associated molecular mechanisms. Following treatment with Fan, Cell Counting Kit-8, phase contrast imaging and Giemsa staining assays were used to detect cell viability; flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle distribution; and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were used to investigate changes in the expression levels of cell cycle-associated genes and proteins. In the present study, treatment with Fan markedly inhibited the proliferation of SPC-A-1 lung cancer cells and significantly increased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05 for 2.5-5 µm; P<0.01 for 10 µm), whereas the percentage of cells in the S and G2/M phases were significantly reduced following treatment (P<0.05 for 5 µm; P<0.01 for 10 µm). Mechanistically, Fan significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 (P<0.05 for 2.5-5 µm; P<0.01 for 10 µm), which are key genes in the regulation of the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, treatment with Fan also decreased the expression of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (Rb) and E2F transcription factor-1 (E2F-1) proteins (P<0.05 for 5 µm; P<0.01 for 10 µm). In summary, the present study demonstrated that Fan inhibited the proliferation of SPC-A-1 lung cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. These effects may be mediated by the downregulation of cellular CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1 levels, thus leading to hypophosphorylation of Rb and subsequent suppression of E2F-1 activity. Therefore, the present results suggest that Fan may be a potential drug candidate for the prevention of lung cancer.

Meta-analysis of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 2A receptor polymorphisms and migraine susceptibility.

Epidemiologic studies have investigated the association of polymorphisms in 5-hydroxytryptamine type 2A receptor (5HT2A) gene and migraine susceptibility, but the results of those studies are inconclusive. To obtain a more systematic estimation of the association, we conducted a comprehensive search to examine all the eligible studies of 5HT2A polymorphisms and migraine risk. The odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of the association. Publication bias was analyzed by Begg's funnel plots. Seven eligible studies regarding 5HT2A T102C and A-1438G polymorphisms with 721 cases and 713 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between 5HT2A T102C (for T vs. C: OR = 1.029, 95% CI = 0.870-1.217, p = 0.739; for TT vs. CC: OR = 1.083, 95% CI = 0.760-1.544, p = 0.657; for TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.066, 95% CI = 0.802-1.416, p = 0.662; for TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.017, 95% CI = 0.774-1.336, p = 0.904) or A-1438G (for T vs. C: OR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.726-1.365, p = 0.979; for TT vs. CC: OR = 0.983, 95% CI = 0.511-1.891, p = 0.960; for TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 0.654-1.910, p = 0.684; for TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.528-1.499, p = 0.661) polymorphisms and migraine risk. The further subgroup analysis by ethnicity, assay and disease type also found no significant association using four genetic models. Meanwhile, the publication bias analysis suggests that there is no publication bias in these studies. In conclusion, our current meta-analysis implies that 5HT2A T102C and A-1438G polymorphisms may be not risk factors in the pathogenesis of migraine.

[Breeding system of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis].

OBJECTIVE: To provide the basic guidance for seed breeding and cross-breeding of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. METHOD: The floral behavior and pollinators were observed; 0.5% TTC solution was used for the pollen viability test and benzidine and -H2O2 was used for estimation of the stigma receptivity. The mating systems were tested by out crossing index (OC1), and pollination experiment was carried out by bagged and emasculated test in the field. RESULT: Commonly, stigma lobes spread slightly, and anthers started presenting the pollen from the outer ring while the flower was just beginning to open. Consequently, the distance between the stigma and its own pollen was relatively far, this "floral behavior" may be conducive to outcrossing. Then the flower entered the later period, while the stigma lobes spread widely, anthers all split, and this "floral behavior" shortened the stigma and its own pollen's distance, which may be conducive to selfing. P. polyphylla was partly protogynous. Stigma life-span was about 10-12 d. After anther dehiscence, the pollen viability maintained about 10% within 2 days, and 20% within 10 days. The value of out crossing index (OC1) was 4. By pollination experiment and pollinators observed, P. polyphylla was self-compatible, but no capacity for autonomous self-fertilization; In natural circumstances, outcrossing fructification rate was low, and mainly anemophilous. Assisted selfing-fertilization fructification rate was higher, spider was the main pollinators. CONCLUSION: P. polyphylla has a mixed mating system with self-pollination and cross-pollination characteristics. Floral behavior has important adaptive significance in avoiding female and male interference, outcrossing, and delayed selfing. P. polyphylla is ambophily (a combination of both wind and insect pollination), pollinators changes due to environment. Pollen limitation is the main cause of low fructification rate under natural conditions.

Enhanced NMDA receptor NR1 phosphorylation and neuronal activity in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus following peripheral inflammation.

UNLABELLED: AbstractAim:To investigate the role of glutamate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in central sensitization following peripheral inflammation in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the mediobasal hypothalamus. METHODS: Mediobasal hypothalamic slices were prepared from rats undergoing peripheral inflammation, which was induced by a unilateral injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into hind paw. Neuronal activation levels in the ARC were monitored by recording extracellular unit discharges. The NMDA receptor NR1 subunit (NR1) was measured using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Enhanced NR1 phosphorylation was observed in the ARC of CFA-inflamed rats. Compared with the control rats, the firing rate of spontaneous discharges in ARC neurons of inflamed rats was significantly higher, and it was significantly reduced both by an NMDA receptor antagonist (MK-801, 300 µmol/L) and by a non-NMDA receptor antagonist (CNQX, 30 µmol/L). Application of exogenous glutamate (200 µmol/L) or NMDA (25 µmol/L) resulted in increased neuronal discharges for ARC neurons, which was enhanced to a greater extent in inflamed rats than in control rats. CONCLUSION: Glutamate receptor activation in the hypothalamic ARC plays a crucial role in central sensitization associated with peripheral inflammation.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of Shaoshanhuo needling method on periarthritis of shoulder].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of Shaoshanhuo needling method on periarthritis of shoulder. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group of 57 cases and a control group of 63 cases. The treatment group were treated with Shaoshanhuo needling method and massage combined with functional exercise of shoulder joint, and the control group were treated with warming acupuncture and moxibustion combined with massage and functional exercise of shoulder joint. Their therapeutic effects were evaluated after 2 courses. RESULTS: The effective rate and the cured rate were 96.5% and 70.2% in the treatment group, and 88.9% and 50.8% in the control group respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups in the effective rate (P>0.05), but with a significant difference between the two groups in the cured rate (P<0.05), the treatment group being higher than the control group. CONCLUSION: Shaoshanhuo needling method has a better therapeutic effect on periarthritis of shoulder.

[The review of Amomum villosum in Xishuangbanna].

The researches on quality evaluation, chemical composition, pharmacological actions and plantation of Amomum villosum in Xishuangbanna was reviewed. The further research point were proposed.